Governor Rejects Teachers Union’s Latest Proposal

Governor Neil Abercrombie has rejected a proposal received by the Hawai’i State Teachers Association (HSTA) on the night of May 2.

HSTA president Wil Okabe sent a letter which notified the governor of HSTA’s intention to seek ratification of the January 2012 proposed agreement that was previously rejected by its members.

Prior to this letter, negotiations have been ongoing based on HSTA’s February 28, 2012 proposal and the State’s March 19, 2012 settlement offer.

“What Mr. Okabe has proposed to HSTA members is a decision made solely by HSTA

HSTA letter to Gov. Abercrombie. Click to expand.

leadership,” said Abercrombie. “This is entirely an internal union action in which we have had no participation. The letter that we received from HSTA last night was unsolicited.

“According to the attorney general, the agreement which was rejected in January 2012 has no legal standing. In addition, in February, HSTA submitted a comprehensive proposal, which has not been withdrawn.

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“We look forward to crafting an agreement with the HSTA to be submitted to teachers for ratification that is clear, current, and correct.

“As the school year ends, we appreciate the work that our teachers have done for student achievement and we look forward to resolving this labor dispute with their union.”